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Exercise Beats Relaxation for Panic Attacks
11 Feb
Summary
- Intense exercise significantly reduces panic attack frequency and severity.
- Exercise helps build tolerance to panic attack symptoms.
- A 12-week exercise program proved more effective than relaxation.
A new study suggests that intense exercise could be a more effective treatment for panic disorder than traditional relaxation methods. Researchers found that short, frequent bursts of high-intensity exercise significantly lowered the occurrence and intensity of panic attacks.
The study, published on February 8, 2026, involved 102 adults. One group practiced relaxation techniques, while the other engaged in a 12-week exercise program. This program included walking interspersed with high-intensity sprints.
Results at six months showed the exercise group experienced greater reductions in panic symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Researchers believe this method helps patients build tolerance to symptoms that typically trigger their fear, reframing them as non-harmful.
This exercise-based interoceptive exposure strategy is considered natural, low-cost, and can be integrated into daily life outside of a clinical setting, offering a promising alternative for managing panic disorder.
